Airlines halt Middle East flights amid conflict

Escalating tensions following joint U.S.–Israeli strikes on Iran have forced widespread airspace closures across the Middle East, prompting major global airlines to suspend or reroute flights.

Airspaces in Iran, Israel, Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Qatar, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and Oman have been disrupted, affecting key routes between Europe, Asia, and the Gulf.

Why flights are suspended

  • Ongoing military activity and missile threats
  • Closure of sovereign airspace
  • Aviation safety advisories
  • Airlines avoiding conflict zones such as Iraq

Flights are being rerouted via Saudi Arabia or Central Asia, increasing travel time and fuel costs.

Major airlines affected

Carriers suspending or cancelling services include:

  • British Airways
  • Air France
  • Lufthansa
  • Qatar Airways
  • Emirates
  • Turkish Airlines
  • Virgin Atlantic
  • KLM
  • Air India
  • Japan Airlines

Airports facing disruption

Major hubs experiencing cancellations include:

  • Dubai International Airport (DXB)
  • Hamad International Airport (DOH)
  • Ben Gurion Airport (TLV)
  • Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA)

What travelers should do

  • Check directly with airlines for updates
  • Look for rebooking or refund options
  • Avoid connecting flights through affected hubs if possible

With the situation evolving rapidly, disruptions may continue in the coming days.